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School of Nursing and Midwifery

University Statement of Credit Neonatal and Infant physical examination (L6)

University Statement of Credit Part-time 1 year

This course allows registered midwives and nurses to study towards the development of skills to undertake Newborn and Infant Physical Examinations (NIPE) in line with national requirements (NHS England, 2024).

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This course allows registered midwives and nurses to study towards the development of skills to undertake Newborn and Infant Physical Examinations (NIPE) in line with national requirements (NHS England, 2024).

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University Statement of Credit
Start date(s)
CLOSED
UCAS Code
Course specifications
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Course length
Part-time (1 year)
Campus location
University: Walsall Campus
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
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Why choose this course?

This course will prepare applicants to undertake a systematic newborn infant physical examination (NIPE) in line with national guidance (NHS England, 2025). Particular attention will be paid to the four key screening areas which include the eyes, heart, hips and testes (if applicable). Applicants will be supported to develop their knowledge and skills in relation to: 

  • The underpinning anatomy and physiology of each key area, to include embryological development 
  • The importance of thorough history taking to identify key risk factors 
  • The components of assessment for each key area 
  • National referral pathways 

In addition to the four key screening areas, applicants will be encouraged to recognise the importance of a systematic and holistic approach to the examination. Consequently, other theory elements include the neurological, integumentary, genitourinary, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems of the newborn. The course also requires applicants to demonstrate proficiency in professional communication, particularly when sharing concerns and discussing management plans with parents. Applicants will have the opportunity to practice their skills using simulation equipment at the Walsall campus. The theoretical component of the course will be assessed via a twenty-minute viva voce examination.  

For the clinical component, applicants will be assessed via the completion of an online portfolio. Applicants will need to have regular clinical exposure which allows them the opportunity to undertake regular newborn and/or infant physical examinations.  

You can study this course at level 6 or level 7.

What happens on the course?

This course is currently subject to revalidation in February 2026.

The theoretical element of the course is structured across five teaching days which are delivered at the Walsall Campus on the following dates:

Thursday 19th March 2026, Thursday 26th March 2026, Thursday 2nd April 2026, Thursday 16th April 2026 and Thursday 23rd April 2026. Applicants will be required to confirm they can attend the study days before their application will be processed.

 

From the start of the programme, the expectation is that applicants will be supported in clinical practice to develop their skills and demonstrate proficiency via an electronic clinical document.  Applicants will need to be able to undertake a minimum of 40 NIPES under the supervision of an experienced NIPE practitioner, before the submission date in July. 

Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Course Modules

Module: 6MI014
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core

This module will equip healthcare professionals with the detailed knowledge and clinical skills to perform  screening and  examination of the newborn

Potential Career Paths

You!

Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) Practitioner

Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Community Midwife

Transitional Care Nurse Specialist

with NIPE qualification - enabling you to complete newborn examinations.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton has offered postgraduate education and training for NIPE for many years. Consequently, we offer a well-embedded, quality teaching and learning experience. The ability to study this programme face-to-face has been developed in response to postgraduate student feedback, who recognised the benefit in collaborating with their peers.

Every baby born within the UK should be offered a NIPE before they are 72hrs old. Following the successful completion of the course, applicants will be able to competently undertake the NIPE within their sphere of practice.  

Midwives who did not have the opportunity to study NIPE at an undergraduate level, will now be able to meet the required midwifery standards of proficiency (NMC, 2019).  

Nurses and Health visitors who complete this course will be able to add this valuable skill to their portfolio and enhance their employability.   

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Part-time £1050 per year# 2025-26

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Applicants are required to evidence the following:

Diploma in Higher Education in midwifery or nursing

and

Current NMC registration pin with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

In addition, applicants should possess a current enhanced DBS and be up to date with their NHS trusts’ mandatory training. They should have the opportunity to examine babies as part of their normal role.

 

Self-funding:

If you intend to self fund, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: see How to pay.

Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Please note that this course does not attract the NHS Learning Support Fund

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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